A few resolutions to ponder

We may have our Christmas wish lists, but our January resolutions probably tells us a lot more about ourselves.
I’m constantly fighting the bulge battle and this past year I seem to have lost ground. So topping my list of resolutions is to win back those 10 pounds and get more exercise at the same time.
Last year I made a resolution to paint the interior of my workshop a bright white. Ten gallons of primer and paint later, it is a bright white.
Sometimes, however, there are consequences to resolutions. When the workshop was darker and dingier, the dust did not appear. White makes anything out of place, or dirt or dust, stand out like a sore thumb.
I’m a firm believer that resolutions shouldn’t be made too difficult. Better to set moderate goals and succeed than to attempt the impossible.
I leave that to the politicians of our community, province, and Canada.
I know that Fort Frances town council would aim to please everyone. They would leave no opportunity missed, no sidewalk needing repair, no road with potholes, no fees for using community facilities or services, and no taxes.
Our community politicians are too smart to make those resolutions. If they could, life would be idyllic.
Our provincial politicians are much more daring than municipal leaders. Half know that they can’t be held responsible for the resolutions they put forth at election time.
So they can promise no wait times in hospital emergency rooms, instant police security, reduced tuitions, and smaller classroom sizes. They’ll even create resolutions to control the weather now and in the future.
Alas, however, even they can be minimized by the resolutions of our federal politicians.
As any good MP knows, they have to test the political winds before commenting. They do this by wetting their finger and then holding it high in the air from the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill in Ottawa to feel the breath of the country.
They all promise that no one should face any disaster without being compensated. They all would choose equal representation in Parliament but they just don’t want to take anything away from a current province.
Our MPs are memory-challenged upon arriving in Ottawa, though. It seems to me that all members of all parties made a resolution to the people of Canada that they would operate with more politeness and decorum.
It ended in a New York minute.
It used to be a promise is a promise is a promise. And we have learned that even if you keep your promise to those who elected you, other members of your party who disagree with your views will punish you.
Only in Ottawa is a promise not a promise.
I have carved out some resolutions for our politicians for the coming year. For John Rafferty, his resolution will be that he will continue to represent the people of Thunder Bay-Rainy River even if it means the NDP will reject him as a member.
John, you can always be the independent member that you like to play so well.
To Sarah Campbell, who seems to be stepping ably into Howard Hampton’s shoes, make the resolution that you won’t be ground down.
And to the council of Fort Frances, and especially Coun. Rick Wiedenhoeft (who has worked so hard to create an active transportation plan in town to encourage all residents to get off their butts and go our and walk our sidewalks, and ride our bikes), don’t take away any more sidewalks or recreation parks.
It is a simple resolution to make.

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